CARDIOVASCULAR PERFUSION
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Perfusionists also have specialized training on all perfusion devices , such as cardiopulmonary bypass and ECMO , to be prepared for any high acuity situation . To learn more about ECMO at Baylor Dallas , visit the Advanced Heart Failure section of this book .
When a patient is placed on bypass , the circuit and cannula used is as unique as the patient . Catering these pathways optimizes patient outcomes , decrease the chance of adverse events and aid in blood conservation . Customizing the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit allows the perfusionist the ability to handle any emergency that may arise during the operation .
Perfusion is the passage of oxygenated blood through the circulatory system to an organ or tissue . While a patient is undergoing cardiac or thoracic surgery , the heart and / or lungs may be temporarily bypassed allowing the cardiac surgeon a safe , controlled field in which to perform various procedures . During this time , the perfusionist is responsible for temporarily assisting blood flow using artificial blood pumps , known as cardiopulmonary bypass . The perfusionist is also responsible for managing proper anesthetic , body temperature , respiratory functions , and overall homeostasis during a procedure .
Baylor University Medical Center ’ s cardiovascular perfusionists are board certified and licensed to handle extracorporeal circulation ( ECC ). A variety of ECC devices on the Dallas campus may also be a part of clinical research . These devices include :
• ECMO
• Artificial hearts
• Other ventricular assist devices
Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team , including surgeons on the medical staff , physician assistants , nurses , surgical technologists , and anesthesiologists , is vital in a high-volume , quaternary medical center and research facility , and the team at Baylor Dallas routinely participates in high risk case discussions for complex operations .
Another function of cardiopulmonary bypass is to deliver cardioplegia to temporarily arrest the heart during cardiac surgery . Cardioplegia used in many facilities allows for 15 to 45 minutes of temporary cardiac arrest before needing to administer more solution . Baylor Dallas uses a custom , blood-based solution which provides the surgeon 150 minutes of uninterrupted cardiac preservation . The blood-based cardioplegia solution allows for increased delivery of oxygen back to the myocardium verses traditional crystalloid-based cardioplegia solutions . Bloodbased cardioplegia also prevents the dilution of the patient ’ s blood allowing for reduced surgical times and improved patient recovery .
NORMOTHERMIC REGIONAL PERFUSION ORGAN HARVESTING
The cardiovascular perfusion team is trained to navigate the complex process of organ harvesting and administering normothermic regional perfusion ( NRP ). NRP is a preservation technique used to reduce the effects of cardiac arrest and generate a continuous flow to the organs via a modified cardiopulmonary bypass device . The perfusion team is also trained to utilize the TransMedics Organ Care System ( OCS™ ). TransMedics OCS is the only FDA approved technology of its kind that allows preservation of the donor heart or lungs with extracorporeal perfusion . By mimicking the human environment , physicians can assess the heart or lungs ’ function for any signs of damage . This advanced technology allows the hospital to expand the procurement territory .
SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES
The cardiovascular perfusion team applies innovative techniques and treatment in an aim to improve patient outcomes . As a Level I trauma center , the team is wellequipped to care for the highest acuity patients .
Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital - Dallas | Cardiovascular Perfusion